Wednesday 27 April 2005

Hi,

In case you're not a movie buff, "Here come the pain" is Al Pacino's famous line from the movie Scarface. I'm not really a movie buff but I just felt compelled to use that line for my headline. If you've got a problem with that, e-mail me!

Well, it's been a while since my last newsletter, so I thought - since you've been good enough to sign up for it and express an interest in what's happening in my part of the world - it was about time I got in touch with you! And you know what? I think I'm going to start writing more frequently. It may turn out to be easier - and it will also keep my news and client success stories a bit fresher for you.

As always, I do welcome your feedback, so if there are parts of the newsletter that you think are boring or inappropriate, let me know! Likewise, if there are parts that you love, or would like to see more of, of course I want to hear about that as well.

One more thing: obviously I want to reach as many people as I can, so if you think of a friend or colleague that you think would enjoy hearing about this stuff, please forward this e-mail to them - the subscribe and unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of every issue.

OK, onward... in this issue:

• As promised: Tania demonstrates how to fold up one of those big round reflector thingies
• Who is this Tania person, anyway?
• Women prefer Kodak digital cameras
• A few recent snaps

Last issue I promised to introduce you to our new vehicle photography expert. Well, Tom Peters (co-author of the business classic In Search of Excellence) said "underpromise and overdeliver", so I've done more than that. I persuaded her to get in front of the camera and demonstrate how to fold up one of those big round reflector thingies. There are two good reasons for this:

• Us photographers are always getting you clients to hold the things. We would get an assistant to do this, but then we'd have to charge you more. And you don't want that, do you?!
• Tania spent an entire semester at university studying the art and science of reflector folding (of course that's not true but it sounds funny).

OK, so here it is:

1. The reflector in the open position. Normally it's good to hold it with two hands so it doesn't blow away, but in this picture Tania is doing her best "Price is Right" pose. Thanks Tania.
2. Hold the reflector at each side. See how Tania's right hand is 'normal', but her left hand is reaching over and holding the reflector from the front. This is to facilitate the twisting action that is the key to succesful reflector folding.
3. OK, twist the 'normal' (right) hand away from you and the other hand towards you while gently bringing your hands together (you don't really need to push the relector closed, but you do need to let it bring your hands together).
4. OK, we're nearly there! Errm, keep going until the reflector is, like, closed!
5. Ta-da! Price is right pose number 38. Great work Tania, you have passed your knowledge on to others. I hope that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling (if not, hopefully your pay cheque will).

Now, seriously: Tania is an RMIT photography graduate. She's paid her dues around the photography circuit assisting some well-known photographers and shooting weddings, children's portraits, corporate portraits, cars, and a variety of commercial assignments. So her experience is pretty broad!

Tania has already done shoots with number of our clients (with overwhelmingly positive feedback!), so if you haven't already met Tania, hopefully you'll have the opportunity to work together sometime soon.

Women prefer Kodak digital cameras

According to imaging industry market research company Lyra Research, more than 20 percent of women surveyed use a Kodak digital camera, while only 10 percent of men made Kodak their brand of choice. Men appear to prefer Canon digital cameras, with almost 17 percent of male respondents using that brand.

Lyra's explanation is that "women in general are less comfortable with technology and therefore more attracted to trusted brands". Hmm.

The full story (complete with pretty graph) is here: Kodak Tops the List of Digital Camera Brands Preferred by Women

Oh, and if you're in the market for a digital camera (or you want to get one for your Mum), you can buy one online at gadgets.com.au

A few recent snaps

Poster for Chitra's Closet. Graphics by Ryan Strating

Brochure for Hallmark Homes. Retouching by Matrixmedia.

Cover for Australian Anthill magazine. Retouching by Alison at Australian Anthill.

That's all for now.

Till next time,



Steven Pam
Steven Pam Photography